Our business went through many guises before emerging as the modern international property company we are today.
THE LAND AND THE FAMILY
Grosvenor’s history began with the marriage of Mary Davies and Sir Thomas Grosvenor in 1677. Mary had inherited 500 acres of land north of the Thames to the west of the City of London. Sir Thomas was the descendant of a family which traces its roots back to William the Conqueror.
THE LONDON ESTATE
Mary Davies’ landholding remained largely untouched by the Grosvenors until the 1720s, when they developed the northern part - now known as Mayfair – around Grosvenor Square. A few generations later, in the 1820s, their focus moved south - to what is now Belgravia - developing Eaton Square, Chester Square and other famous addresses. Later in the 19th century, the area of Pimlico was developed; this was sold in 1953. The Grosvenor family progressively incorporated the London properties in the 20th century and the London estate is now managed within Grosvenor Britain & Ireland.
INTERNATIONAL EXPANSION
Although Grosvenor is often identified with its core asset, the London estate, much of our present-day investment and development portfolio is in other parts of Britain and Ireland. International expansion began in the 1950s, in Canada and later in the United States – hence our business in the Americas. In the 1960s our businesses expanded into Australia and, in the 1990s, into Asia Pacific Also in the 1990s, Grosvenor expanded into Continental Europe. Our fund management business has a similar international reach.
SHAREHOLDERS
100% of the shares in Grosvenor are owned by theTrustees of various Grosvenor trusts established for the benefit of current and future members of the Grosvenor family, which is now headed by the 6th Duke of Westminster.
GROSVENOR ESTATE
Grosvenor is one of several businesses in the Grosvenor Estate portfolio. To find out more visit the Grosvenor Estate website.